One of the number one questions when clients get a spray tan at Koko Beach Tanning and Hair Salon is, “how long does it last?” It’s common that our clients will book their tan prior to going on vacations, during the summer time or before a big event, such as a wedding. Koko Beach wants to make sure that it’s going to last and stay looking beautiful for as long as possible. At least 50% of the result of how long your spray tan will last is the preparation and post care of the spray tan. See how to prevent the spray tan from fading too quickly. With proper pre and post tan care, the spray tan will look beautiful longer.
Skin Prep
This is a major step in the process of a spray tan that must not be missed in order to have the optimal results with the longevity desired.
Always shower, shave and exfoliate the night before your appointment. Skin needs to be clean and prepped for a fresh layer of sunless glow to be applied. Exfoliation itself is one of the key components to creating longevity in the wear of a spray tan. Skipping the step of exfoliating, may see premature fading of the tan. During the process of exfoliating, dead skins are sloughed off to reveal a fresh new layer of skin. Skin cells shed naturally. If these cells are not exfoliated prior to the tan, that old layer of skin is going to shed and take the fresh spray tan with it. Using a color priming towelette available in store before the session is recommended.
Submerging in Water
Getting a spray tan before heading off to a tropical vacation and during the hot summer months is extremely common. Enjoying the bodies of water, such as lakes, oceans, pools, jacuzzis, etc. will definitely be happening. One of the concerns that you may have when getting a spray tan and wading in the water, will be the longevity of your tan. When investing in a spray tan, the goal is for the tan to hold up in the best possible way regardless of the activities that are going to take place while you have your tan. Unfortunately, this gets a little bit tricky when dealing with bodies of water! There are a couple ways to prevent premature fading of the tan while enjoying the beach and water.
1. Stay hydrated and moisturized
Moisturized skin will ALWAYS make a spray tan last longer. Moisturize 1-2 times a day and drink lots of water. This is especially important for those babes that will be out in the sun or spending time in a body of water filled with chlorine that will dry out the skin. It’s important to remember that dry skin overall equals a tan that fades more quickly.
2. Use a tan extender
Tan extender lotions are the perfect way to add a subtle tint of color back into the skin. These tan extenders are to be used just as a regular moisturizer and applied to the entire body. The lotion has a small amount of DHA, the ingredient that reacts with the skin to create a sunless tan. That small amount of DHA acts like a gradual tanner. Therefore prolonging the color and reducing premature fading. Pick up California Tan’s Glow Extender lotion in store.
Excessive Sweating
Sweating is a form of exfoliation to the skin, which means when sweating frequently or excessively, your tan faces the risk of fading quickly. In order to prevent this from happening, try to hold off on sweating during the development phase. If you were to sweat during the 24 hours post appointment while your tan is still developing, the likelihood that your tan will not develop to its full potential increases dramatically. Also throughout the duration of the tan, try to cut down on any activities that will cause a lot of sweating. This will ensure that your tan stays looking bronzy longer.
Extra Exfoliation
As mentioned previously, the importance that exfoliation plays in the skin prep process, it also plays a major role in post tan care. This is because any additional exfoliation made to the skin will increase fading of the tan. Extra exfoliation can be in the form of sweating. As well as using exfoliating scrubs, exfoliating facial acids, shaving and rubbing instead of patting dry after showers. Any activity or product that will be abrasive to the skin should be avoided until you are ready to remove your old tan and prep for a fresh one.
These are the top tips to keep your spray tan fresh and looking fantastic longer. We at Koko Beach Tanning & Hair Salon can’t wait to see you for your next spray tan!